Liverpool midfielder refuses to rule out Anfield exit

Lucas Leiva insists he remains fully committed to Liverpool, but admits he may leave the club before the transfer window shuts next month.

The Brazilian international struggled to make an impact upon his arrival from Gremio in 2007, but he has since won over his doubters and is considered a valuable member of the Reds first team squad. However, he is no longer assured of a place in the starting XI, and particularly since the £10million summer arrival of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen.

Lucas did, though, start in the opening weekend 2-1 win against Southampton, but he has recently been linked with a move to Napoli. Former Anfield boss Rafael Benitez is currently in charge of the Italian side, and as the man responsible for bringing the midfielder to England seven years ago, the Spaniard remains a huge admirer of the player.

During his time on Merseyside Lucas has played 177 times in the Premier League, scoring just the one goal which came in a 3-0 win against Newcastle United in May 2009. The 27-year-old still has another three years left on his current Liverpool contract, and although he is settled in England, he has refused to rule out a switch to Serie A before the window closes.

“I can never say never,” he told Vavel Brazil when asked of the reported interest from Napoli. “Today my thoughts are with Liverpool and I always leave that part of the proposals and boring affairs with my manager. If something good for me arises for me and the club, it might happen. But now I’m focused on having a good season for Liverpool.”

Liverpool fans, would you be sad to see Lucas leave? If you were prepared to let him go, what would be an acceptable fee? Get involved in the discussion below!